CCTST Deductive and Inductive 3

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes a counterexample in the context of deductive reasoning?

Accepted Answer

A case where the premises are true but the conclusion is false

Answer

A counterexample demonstrates invalidity by showing a case where premises are true yet the conclusion is false.

Question 2

Scientists notice that patients who take Drug X recover faster than those who don't. They conclude Drug X likely accelerates recovery. This is:

Accepted Answer

An inductive inference based on observed patterns

Answer

Drawing a probabilistic conclusion from observed data patterns is inductive reasoning.

Question 3

Which argument contains the formal fallacy of denying the antecedent?

Accepted Answer

If you study, you pass. You didn't study. So you won't pass.

Answer

Denying the antecedent incorrectly concludes that because P is false, Q must also be false in 'If P then Q'.

Question 4

What is the key difference between a valid argument and a sound argument?

Accepted Answer

A valid argument's conclusion follows from its premises; a sound argument is also valid with true premises

Answer

Validity means the conclusion follows necessarily from the premises; soundness additionally requires the premises to actually be true.

Question 5

In inductive reasoning, adding more confirming instances to a sample typically:

Accepted Answer

Increases the strength of the inductive inference

Answer

More confirming instances from a diverse sample generally strengthen an inductive argument by increasing the probability of the conclusion.

(CCTST) California Critical Thinking Skills Test Practice Test